The desire for individuality often leads car owners to decide to change the standard glossy body look. Black matte paint It has become a trend of recent years, turning even budget models into aggressive and stylish cars. However, unlike the usual gloss, such a coating requires not only the correct choice of materials, but also strict adherence to the application technology.
Many motorists wonder whether it is possible to achieve factory quality using paint in a jar or aerosol without the use of expensive professional equipment. The answer is clear: yes, it is possible, but the process will require you to be meticulous and understand the chemical processes of drying. acrylic and alkyd trains. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of working with matte enamel.
Before you go to the store, it is important to realize that the matte effect is achieved not only by the pigment, but also by the surface structure after drying. The degree of matteness (Gloss Unit) varies from 5 to 30 units from different manufacturers.This changes the visual perception of color. Incorrect choice of solvent or violation of temperature regime can turn the desired "velvet" into a spotty surface.
Selection of material: aerosol or spray gun can
The first thing you need to decide on is the packaging format. On the market are ready-made aerosol cans and concentrated enamel in banks that require dilution. Aerosol black matte paint It is convenient for local repair or painting small items such as mirrors, spoilers or wheels. It already contains the necessary proportions of the solvent, which eliminates errors in mixing.
However, if you plan to paint the entire body or large planes, paint in a jar will be a more economical and professional solution. Use of the spray-pitch (even electric HVLP) allows you to get a more uniform layer without the characteristic pressure drops for cans. In addition, in the bank you can more accurately control the viscosity of the composition, adding Hardener (hardener) or Thinner (Dilluent) depending on the temperature in the paint chamber.
When choosing a material, pay attention to the chemical basis. Acrylic enamel They dry faster and smell less, but they may give way in depth to color. Alkyd paints PF-115 and their modern counterparts create a stronger film, but require more time for polymerization and mandatory varnishing, if not matted themselves. Cheap options often sin by the fact that after drying they give a metallic shine, completely destroying the matte effect.
- 🎨 Aerosol: Perfect for beginners and small details, but expensive expense on large areas.
- 🔫 Can + spray gun: It requires skills, but it gives professional results and material savings.
- 🧪 Chemistry: Two-component compositions (with hardener) are longer than one-component ones.
Surface preparation: the key to the absence of glare
The matte surface is merciless to defects. Any bump, scratch or greasy spot under the black mat will be seen much more strongly than under the gloss. Therefore, the preparation stage takes up to 70% of the total work time. You need to completely remove the old coating if it is damaged, or carefully wrap it with an abrasive.
The perfect base for squirrel - It's a smooth, low-fat soil. If you apply paint to metal, use acid or epoxy soil to protect against corrosion. If you are on an old LCP - walk with an abrasive P800-P1000. It is important to understand that matte paint does not hide irregularities, but emphasizes the geometry of the body. Therefore, if there are dents on the body, they need to be leveled before the painting stage.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid touching the prepared surface with your hands without gloves. Fat marks from the fingers will appear after painting in the form of matte spots on a glossy background or vice versa, violating adhesion.
Degreasing is a critical moment. Use special antisilicons, rubbing the surface with rags in one direction. Do not skimp on napkins: pile from ordinary fabric can stick to the sticky soil and spoil the final look. Before going to the finish line, blow all the cracks and joints with compressed air so that the dust does not blow out with a flow of paint.
☑️ Checklist for body preparation
Applying Technology: How to Avoid Stains and Divorces
Application process matte It is very different from working with gloss. If the glossy surface is often polished after drying, then the matte can not be polished - you will just create glossy rubs. So the first layer should lie perfectly. The distance from the duse of the spray gun or the nose of the spray can to the surface should be 20-30 cm.
The movements should be smooth, at the same speed. Do not hold the torch in one place, otherwise leaks are formed, which on the matte surface is almost impossible to remove without repainting. First layer It is applied with a thin, “swimmering” layer to create a base. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes (time depends on the instructions on the jar). Second and third layers They are applied more saturatedly, but without fanaticism: a pour of paint will lead to a change in the surface structure and the appearance of unwanted shine.
Pay special attention to the temperature. If the room is too cold, the paint may not have time to spread, forming a “shagrene skin” (orange effect). If it is too hot, it will dry on the fly, becoming rough to the touch. The optimum temperature for most of the ingredients +20°C. When working with the canister, be sure to shake it for 2-3 minutes before starting and in between layers to mix the matting additives.
The secret of a uniform layer
To avoid stripes when painting with a can, start the movement of the hand before pressing the valve and finish after releasing it, continuing the movement beyond the part. This will ensure that the torch is distributed evenly.
Do I need a matte paint polish?
This is one of the most common questions that baffles newcomers. The answer depends on the type of enamel you choose. There are. single-paint (1K) that do not require varnish and create the finishing coating on their own. Adding varnish on them will destroy the matte effect, turning the car into glossy.
On the other hand, professional two-component (2K) often require the application of a special matte varnish to protect the pigment and improve wear resistance. The usual glossy varnish, of course, can not be used. Matte varnish contains special additives (waxes, silicates), which after drying give roughness. If you have bought paint that requires varnishing, make sure that in the kit or in the check you have exactly the same. Matte Clear Coat.
There is also a compromise option - satin varnishes. They give a light half-matted shine (Gloss 20-30), which makes the color deeper and nobler, but retains the overall matte concept. The deep black mat (Gloss 5-10) looks more “dry” and flat, which can visually hide the volume of the body, while satin emphasizes the lines.
| Type of coating | Do you need varnish? | Resilience | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1K Aerosol | No (usually) | Low/Mediocre | Deep mat. |
| 2K Base + Matte Lacquer | I'll be sure. | Tall. | Satin/Matt |
| alkyd enamel | Preferably. | Medium | Half-machine |
| Rubber paint | No. | Medium (elastic) | velvety |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced professionals sometimes make mistakes when working with the stainless. The most common of these is an attempt to polish the surface after painting. Abrasive polishing instantly creates glossy spots that cannot be removed back without repainting the element. The matte surface can only be washed and treated with special sprays-reducing mattiness.
The second mistake is the wrong drying. Many try to speed up the process by using heat guns or putting the car in the direct sun. This leads to boiling of the solvent inside the layer, which causes the effect of "boiling" or clouding. The paint should dry naturally in a dusty room. Drafts are also dangerous: they can bring dust or cause uneven evaporation of the solvent.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to paint over an “orange peel” or drip on a matte paint locally. Making a new layer is a bad idea, and the transition boundary will be visible. Just a complete repainting of the element.
Another problem is the “milk” plaque. It occurs when painting in high humidity or when using a solvent too fast in cold weather. Moisture condenses into a layer of paint, making it whitish. This is treated only by completely removing the layer and repainting under the right conditions.
If you have small villi after painting, do not rub them! Wait for full drying (24 hours) and gently shave them off with a blade, holding it at a 90 degree angle to the surface.
Care for matte coating: instructions
Ownership of a car with matte There are certain obligations to care. Forget about contact washes with hard brushes - they will leave indelible glossy stripes. Only manual wash or self-service wash using soft foam and microfiber.
For washing, use special shampoos for matte cars that do not contain waxes and polymers that create shine. A regular shampoo with a wax effect can make your black mat gray and spotty. After washing, do not use regular polishes. There are special spray-detailers Matte DetailerThey remove light dirt and fingers, preserving the surface structure.
Bird droppings, tree resin and bitumen should be removed immediately. On a matte surface, the aggressive chemistry of cleaners can leave a matte spot that will differ from the main background. Use special bitumen cleaners, having previously checked them on an inconspicuous area, and wash off with plenty of water.
The main rule of care for matte cars: no waxes, polishes and abrasives. Just soft chemistry and microfiber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cover the matte paint with ordinary varnish to make it shine?
Technically possible, but the outcome will be unpredictable. Regular varnish can react with a matte base, cause wrinkling or change color. In addition, the texture of matte paint can pass through the varnish, creating the effect of a “matte gloss”, which looks unnatural. If you want a glossy - it is better to paint with glossy enamel.
How much dried black matte paint in a can?
Time "from dust" is 15-30 minutes at a temperature of +20 ° C. Complete drying, when you can gently touch, occurs in 2-3 hours. However, complete polymerization and strength gain occur within 7-14 days. During this period, washing the car with aggressive chemicals is not recommended.
How to remove a glossy spot on a matte body?
If the spot is superficial (for example, from friction with clothes), sometimes a special spray-reducing mattress helps. If the glossy spot was formed due to polishing or deep damage to the varnish, unfortunately, only repainting of the element will help. Locally restore the structure of the matte layer is almost impossible.
Does matte paint affect the heating of the car in the sun?
Yes, it does. A matte surface, especially black, absorbs more heat than a glossy one, since it does not reflect the sun’s rays. In hot weather, the body can heat up by 5-10 degrees, which should be considered when parking in the direct sun in the summer.